Brought to you by WBIW News and Network Indiana
Last updated on Monday, June 4, 2012
(GREENE COUNTY) - Just west of Monroe County, the beautiful landscape of Greene County can inspire nearly any artist to create a masterpiece.
And it may surprise some to know there are various artists tucked into the nooks and crannies of the 552 square-mile county.
Probably one of the greatest chances to see lots of Greene County art in one visit is by attending the Bloomfield Art Festival, scheduled for Saturday.
Held in Bloomfield Town Park from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., the event will feature live entertainment, food and an art exhibition/competition.
Organizer Wyatt LeGrand said this is the third year for the art festival, "so we're kind of proud that we've been able to keep it going, and it's grown the way that it has."
LeGrand said the festival was created to give Greene County artists a chance to show their stuff, although the event includes artists from outside the county.
"We've got plenty of room. We're not favoring the Greene County artists or anything like that," he said.
Ceramics, paintings, jewelry, woodworking, garden art and even textiles will be part of the festival.
"Its purpose is to reestablish an art appreciation here in Greene County. It's something that in years past has kind of been lacking a little bit, so it's kind of on the rebound now so we're really proud of that," LeGrand said.
LeGrand grew up in Greene County, and after graduating from Indiana University he returned to teach art at Linton-Stockton schools and continue to work on his craft. While some artists might think being in a big city such as Chicago or New York City would help elicit success, the Internet means any artist can gain worldwide exposure no matter where they live.
"A lot of people assume you can't have a career as a fine artist in a community like this that doesn't have a rep for being an artsy place, but I don't think that's true at all," LeGrand said.
LeGrand said he tends to be nostalgic, so returning to Greene County works for him.
"For me, it's about coming back home, and I feel kind of an obligation to be doing what I'm doing back here," he said. "Artists that go and try to make it big living in New York or Chicago, I don't know if it's always the best route to take. I've found that I can be in galleries in all these big cities all over the place, but I don't have to live there."
LeGrand hopes visitors will check out the festival, grab a bite to eat and learn more about the artists just a stone's throw from Monroe County.
"Use the rest of the afternoon to go for a little drive and enjoy what we have to offer," he said.
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